6 Tips to Prevent Locksmith Fraud

In the locksmithing profession, fraud is on the rise, and it can be difficult to discern whether you’re working with a reputable organization or a fake. As locksmiths, we want to help protect our community from these scammers. Here are 6 tips you can use when hiring a locksmith to know your money isn’t wasted on an unlicensed company.

Use a Service You Have Researched and Trust

Employing a researched and trusted provider is one of the easiest methods to avoid locksmith fraud. Make certain you are aware of the specific services they provide and the prices they charge. Inquire about the locksmith’s certifications and training to verify you’re working with a professional.

Before selecting a company with which you are unfamiliar, ask plenty of questions and request more information. If anything appears fraudulent, suspicious, or too good to be true, it probably is.

Ask for Credentials

If a locksmith knocks on your door and requests entry, request identification such as a business card, address, phone number, or website. Also, ensure they have insurance coverage.

If something goes wrong during an attempted break-in or criminal activity, a reputable locksmith will have insurance that covers property damage and injuries caused by the. It is imperative that you know if you are insured before letting anyone into your home or vehicle.

Beware of Quick Quotes

A quick quote is one of the most common red flags for a locksmith fraud. It’s a known tactic used by scammers to take advantage of customers. The way this works is simple: the scammer will ask you to give them details about your lock-out situation and then immediately give you an estimate over the phone or via text message without ever coming out to see the property in person.

You must avoid giving out personal information over unsecured channels such as email, text messages, and social media because this can make it easier for hackers to access your accounts, steal personal photos and even sell them online or use them for identity theft purposes.

Check the Locksmith License

Before hiring a locksmith, verify his or her credentials. This is among the essential tips for preventing locksmith fraud.

The license should be current and issued by the state where you reside. It should also include your city or county and your zip code. If any of these items are missing, do not hire the candidate.

Ask if something sounds strange or if you have any doubts. A respectable business will answer your inquiries without hesitation and give paperwork such as proof of liability insurance.

Ask for References from Previous Customers

If you’re hiring a locksmith, ask for the names of at least two previous clients that they worked with. You can read their internet reviews to determine if they were satisfied with this locksmith’s services.

Checking out his or her past work history will help you determine if this is someone you want to hire and trust with your home security needs. If the locksmith is unwilling or unable to provide references, that should be a major red flag.

Look for a Sign in the Vehicle to Verify Its a Legitimate Business

Look for a sign in the locksmith’s car to ensure they are a legitimate business. If there is no sign or the sign looks like it has been tampered with, don’t be afraid to ask the locksmith where they are based out of. A genuine business will have no problem telling you who they are and where they are located.

If they say they aren’t sure and are vague about their information, this could be a red flag. Ask them if they can tell you their company name and contact information so that you can verify their legitimacy.

What Are the Duties of a Locksmith?

Locksmiths’ main duties include installing, repairing, and servicing locks and other security systems at homes and businesses. They may also make keys from scratch or cut copies of keys. A locksmith must be able to install all types of locks, including keyless electronic ones.

Other duties include installing security doors, safes, and vaults and repairing electronic locks. In addition, a locksmith may also install alarms in cars or homes.

Can a Locksmith Open a Deadbolt?

Most locksmiths are qualified and trained to work with deadbolts and can remove them without causing damage to your door or frame. Typically, they will drill out the pins within the lock to access them from behind without placing any pressure on the door.

Some locksmiths may offer additional services, such as installing new deadbolts or replacing your current ones with more advanced capabilities, such as keyless entry systems or fingerprint scanners, which make accessing your home easier.

Is It Cheaper to Re-key or Replace Locks?

You should be aware that rekeying is often cheaper than replacing locks. So, if your current lock is in good condition, you can save money by rekeying instead of replacing it.

While the cost of replacing a door and lock will vary based on the complexity of your home’s architecture and the type of hardware required to install a new deadbolt, it’s safe to say that these expenses are much higher than those involved with simply changing out some tumblers within an existing doorknob or deadbolt lock cylinder.